WATCH: Indiana Pacers interact with fans on Fan Appreciation Night
The Indiana Pacers had their final home game of the 2022-23 season on Friday night, and that meant it was Fan Appreciation night.
On top of their typical in-arena entertainment, the Pacers had more up-close interactions with players throughout the night. To kick things off, forward Oshae Brissett addressed the crowd before the game began.
"Sup Pacers fans. On behalf of me and my teammates, we want to thank you guys for all the support. We'll be back much stronger next season for sure. Thank you guys!" Brissett shared just before tipoff. He has been with the Pacers for three-straight seasons.
During the game, Buddy Hield spent some time with fans. He sat down next to a viewer sitting in the front row under the basket on the North end of the court for a few moments. He was near the Pacers bench.
Hield ended up finishing the game with 22 points while breaking his previous career high for made threes for a season. "It was fun, man. Just connecting with the fans," Hield said of the moment. He joked that he couldn't share what their conversation was about.
"The fans in Indiana have been so great to me since I've been here," Hield said after the game.
Later in the night, Pacers players interact with fans on and around the court. They sign jerseys, hand out game worn attire, and toss mini basketballs into the crowd. It's a great way for the team to connect with its supporters.
Tyrese Haliburton, who is in his first season with the franchise, spent a lot of time signing mini basketballs and taking pictures with fans. He connected with the franchise and the city of Indianapolis quickly after arriving.
While Haliburton wore an Indiana Fever jersey, center Myles Turner rocked an Indianapois Indians uniform during the fan appreciation ceremonies. Turner is the longest tenured Pacer, he has spent eight seasons with the franchise.
Turner's had several fan appreciation nights, and he enjoys all of them. He spent time tossing mini basketballs into the crowd, and he even used one to take a jump shot into a hoop a fan was holding.
Indiana lost to the Detroit Pistons in their final home game in front of their fans.
They went 20-21 at home this season, one game away from a winning record. The Pacers close out the 2022-23 campaign on Sunday in New York against the Knicks.
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